as in joining
to become a friend to (someone)
He befriended the new student.
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Recent Examples of befriending
In the August 13 episode, the two were discussing with Kelce’s brother and co-host Jason Kelce, how Travis had a goal in life of rescuing and befriending a sea otter.
—
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025
But the blind man ends up befriending the creature, having no sense of its frightening demeanor.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Aug. 2025
Zrnčević, Bugatti Rimac’s chief test and development driver, has spent 11 years with the company after befriending CEO Mate Rimac during his stint as an automotive journalist (his mechanical engineering degree didn’t hurt).
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025
But the blind man ends up befriending the creature, having no sense of its frightening demeanor.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Aug. 2025
Zrnčević, Bugatti Rimac’s chief test and development driver, has spent 11 years with the company after befriending CEO Mate Rimac during his stint as an automotive journalist (his mechanical engineering degree didn’t hurt).
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befriending
Verb
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Now, the department's union is joining calls for more funding, saying the city has neglected for years to fund repairs and maintenace.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
21 Oct. 2025
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Hosting the evening is Brazilian broadcaster Luciano Huck, and Brazilian soccer star Cafu is also joining the show.—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Athmile Wide-Leg Sweatpants, which shoppers love for traveling, running errands, and relaxing at home, have a super-soft fleece lining and pockets big enough for smartphones.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
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Navigating this while traveling becomes trickier.—
Clay Abney,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The staircase, inspired by one in Tina and Michael Chow’s legendary apartment on Sutton Place in New York, spirals from the basement to a mezzanine level, connecting the apartment’s three floors.—
Amir Capogrossi Badreddine,
Architectural Digest,
21 Oct. 2025
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The appointments were so sudden that Scharf, at his first commission meeting on July 10, apologized for not connecting with any of his fellow commissioners ahead of time, noting his appointment had happened the night before.—
Emily Goodin,
Miami Herald,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The song, which is the second track on the album, makes several references and nods to some of Taylor's famous life, while also seemingly relating them to Swift.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
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The Libra balanced scales also teach us that relating is a paradox.—
Colin Bedell,
Them.,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Befriending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befriending. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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